Certain Times: Debunking Uncertainty and Beating Your Fears

“In these uncertain times…”

This phrase has become part of our daily vocabulary this year, along with “social distancing,” “the new normal,” and “unprecedented times.”

Referring to these times of upheaval that include a pandemic, rampant riots, uncontrollable wildfires, and political power struggles as “uncertain” seems to make sense.

After all, many of us who felt certain about simple things like going to work tomorrow or taking the kids to school had that certainty shattered and are now drifting from day to day without any secure expectation of what tomorrow (or even today) will look like.

Most of us probably adopted this phrase—“uncertain times”—into our own usage. I’ve used it a few times myself, maybe even here on the blog.

It’s a frightening word, isn’t it? “Uncertainty” breeds fear in our hearts.

But one morning, as I listened to the Renewing Your Mind podcast, a pastor stopped me in my tracks with the truth.

I had swallowed a huge lie. And I had disregarded the truth that could have protected me from fear.

These are NOT uncertain times.

In fact, the times we’re living in right now, as crazy as they seem, are filled with certainty for every true believer in Christ.

When it comes to certainty, nothing has changed.

God is still on His throne. He is living and active and powerful. He knows what is coming because He is bringing it about Himself.

So, the next time you find yourself believing and fearing that we are living in uncertain times, ask yourself these four questions:

1. Who is in control?

A: God.

Remind yourself of this comforting truth with these passages:

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. – Romans 1:20

…for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. – Acts 4:27-28

These all look to you,
to give them their food in due season.
When you give it to them, they gather it up;
    when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
When you hide your face, they are dismayed;
    when you take away their breath, they die
    and return to their dust.
When you send forth your Spirit, they are created,
    and you renew the face of the ground.
– Psalm 104:27-30

Since his days are determined,
    and the number of his months is with you,
    and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass…
– Job 14:4-6

2. Does God have a plan?

A: Yes.

Here are reminders of this truth:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. – Genesis 17:7

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. – Luke 12:6-7

I will fulfill the number of your days. – Exodus 23:26b

3. Is what is happening now part of God’s plan?

A: Yes.

Check out these verses on God’s faithfulness and purpose in everything that happens:

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:6

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. – 1 Peter 4:12-13

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. – 1 Peter 4:19

4. Is God’s plan for the best?

A: Yes!

Remind yourself of this: if you knew everything God does, you would want His plan and choose His plan, too.

The Rock, his work is perfect,
    for all his ways are justice.
A God of faithfulness and without iniquity,
    just and upright is he.
– Deuteronomy 32:4

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.”
The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
    to the soul who seeks him.
– Lamentations 3:23-35

And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. – Luke 12:29-32 (Emphasis mine.)

Even in these times, we can be unshakable. We can let go of our fears and rest in this truth:

We are living in certain times.

Are you struggling with fear during these times? How does the certainty we have in God help you defeat your fear? Please share!

Photos by Roman Bozhko, Jazmin Quaynor, JeShoots.com, Stefan Spassov on Unsplash. Original graphics designed by Jerusha Agen.